Can solar panels power an AC? (2024)

To power an average air conditioning unit, you need to investigate several factors before knowing the actual amount of solar panels that would be required.

As an energy-conscious individual, you probably would like to know the answer to this question:

You have to understand various criteria to catch the point. Your understanding will assist you in setting up an effective solar air conditioning framework.

This composing will decipher some elementary inquiries related to this field. These are:

• Can you run an air conditioner with solar power?
• What number of solar panels do you require for an air conditioner?
• What number of watts does an AC utilize?
• What number of solar panels for a 3600 watt AC?
• What number of solar panels do you require for a one ton AC?
• Table of the quantity of solar panels need for various wattage of AC

Finally, we will introduce a table of content including the quantity of solar panels required for various wattage and wrap up the article for your better understanding.

Can I run an Air Conditioner with solar panels?

Yes, you can run an air conditioner with solar power. Running AC with solar panels can be a great idea both for saving the environment and for saving your finances. It is conceivable because of powerful solar panels and a converter system.

Be that as it may, you may be connected to the grid or be completely off-grid. Both of the systems will allow you to power an AC with solar energy. It will reduce electricity costs rapidly.

A grid-tied system will give you energy backup during the evening or when there is no daylight at all. You technically don’t need to worry about batteries if you’re connected to the grid.

If you are off-grid or if you plan on powering your AC with solar energy during the night or on cloudy days, solar batteries sound like the logical solutions. But be mindful that most home solar batteries available (including the great sonnenbatterie or the Tesla Powerwall would only be able to power your AC for a short amount of time before running dry)

In this way, you can run an AC with solar energy and save the massive amount that air conditioning costs. It will also reveal the sustainable power production system with environmentally friendly power energy.

How many solar panels do I need to run an AC?

It depends on the size of the AC unit. If you take a fairly common, small 3.5kW unit you will find it will draw approximately 3.5kWs while working to reach the temperature you have set. Once at this temperature it will use approximately half of this amount so 1.75Kw to keep the room at this temperature.

Using the above example, if you have approximately 4kW of solar panels operating in good conditions, between 9 – 3pm, it would cover the start up consumption and easily cover the ongoing consumption.

Please note – these are extremely basic and approximate examples. For a more detailed answer, please get in touch and we will be able to advise.

How many Watts Does an AC Use?

An air conditioner may utilize different wattage depending on its function and action.

The most common varieties of air conditioners in Australia are either split or ducted systems. A split system is one AC unit that is wall mounted and should be designed for the immediate area the unit is located. A ducted system has various outlets across the home or business and a central AC system that supplies cool air across all of these outlets.

Split systems typically start at 2.5kW and can go up to close to 10kW. Ducted units can be much bigger and will vary depending on the size of the building and how many outlets are needed.

What number of Solar Panels for a 3600 Watt AC?

Assuming you utilize 250-watt panels, it requires 15 solar panels for a 3600-watt AC.

It is the most common capacity of an air conditioner. Most home owners and small businesses feel this is the ideal capacity for cooling their spaces.

A collection of 15 solar panels is sufficient to run a central air conditioner also. This measurement is perfect, depending upon the watts and solar panels.

To realize the fact, you can compare it to the month to month costs of a 3600-watt air conditioner. It is affordable and perfect for small houses. It will assist you with creating an advanced cooling system at the smallest cost.

Worth noting, a 3600-watt air conditioner corresponds to a one-ton AC. That means 15 solar panels are sufficient to power a one-ton AC.

Note: these are approximate figures and 15 solar panels will provide enough energy for this AC unit while operating at peak times only.

How many solar panels do I need for a one ton AC?

To understand the matter, you need to measure the wattage that a one-ton AC needs.

A one-ton air conditioner comes with a capacity of 3517-watts. That means you have to supply 3500-watts to run a one-ton AC.

The next step is to calculate the quantity of solar panels and watt to get an appropriate estimation.

As we discussed above, if you use solar panels that come with 250-watts capacity, you need 14 solar panels to run a 1 ton AC.

Keep in mind, the quantity of solar panels and its calculation always rely upon the capacity, daylight, and area where it will be settled. Different panels have different performance and production levels as well. To get the best idea, feel free to get in touch. Our team can tell you precisely what solar system would be best for your needs and your AC.

Table of the Number of Solar Panels Need for Different Wattage of AC

Different types of air conditioners need various amounts of wattage. Depending on the wattage and capacity, you should establish the total number of solar panels.

This table will show you the accurate information regarding solar panels that require to get sufficient power.

Table of the Number of Solar Panels Need for Different Wattage of AC